Virtual Pride in Colombia

So Moving

Helping LGBTQ kids in Bogotá, Colombia, with virtual reality technology

Equality in Zales Commercial

At eight seconds

Thanks, Zales.

Vermont Team Cancels North Carolina

" The decision to cancel to our Dec. 28 women's basketball game at North Carolina was made as a result of concerns over the HB2 law, which prevents transgender people from using government-run bathrooms based on their gender identity.

We strive very hard to create an inclusive climate for our students and staff in which they all can feel safe, respected, and valued. It would be hard to fulfill these obligations while competing in a state with this law, which is contrary to our values as an athletic department and university.

This decision was made in consultation with our coaches, the women's basketball team, and key university officials. We fully understand and sympathize with the impact that this decision may have on the North Carolina women's basketball schedule. However, we believe this decision is consistent with our values and the conversations with our coaches and student team members. These were the most important considerations."

University of Vermont Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman, August 24, 2016.

    Click here to see original 

NBA Removes All-Star Game from NC

" The NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte with the hope of rescheduling for 2019.

March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change. We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.

Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community - current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans. While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.

We are particularly mindful of the impact of this decision on our fans in North Carolina, who are among the most passionate in our league. It is also important to stress that the City of Charlotte and the Hornets organization have sought to provide an inclusive environment and that the Hornets will continue to ensure that all patrons - including members of the LGBT community - feel welcome while attending games and events in their arena. "

National Basketball Association, July 21, 2016.

     click here to read original statement

 

US Judge Stops Mississippi Hate Law

" The plaintiffs filed these suits to enjoin a new state law, “House Bill 1523,” before it goes into effect on July 1, 2016. They contend that the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The Attorney General’s Office has entered its appearance to defend HB 1523. The parties briefed the relevant issues and presented evidence and argument at a joint hearing on June 23 and 24, 2016.

The United States Supreme Court has spoken clearly on the constitutional principles at stake. Under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, a state “may not aid, foster, or promote one religion or religious theory against another.” Epperson v. Arkansas, 393 U.S. 97, 104 (1968). “When the government acts with the ostensible and predominant purpose of advancing religion, it violates that central Establishment Clause value of official religious neutrality, there being no neutrality when the government’s ostensible object is to take sides.” McCreary Cnty., Kentucky v. ACLU of Kentucky, 545 U.S. 844, 860 (2005).

Under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, meanwhile, a state may not deprive lesbian and gay citizens of “the protection of general laws and policies that prohibit arbitrary discrimination in governmental and private settings.” Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620, 630 (1996).

HB 1523 grants special rights to citizens who hold one of three “sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions” reflecting disapproval of lesbian, gay, transgender, and unmarried persons. Miss. Laws 2016, HB 1523 § 2 (eff. July 1, 2016). That violates both the guarantee of religious neutrality and the promise of equal protection of the laws.

The Establishment Clause is violated because persons who hold contrary religious beliefs are unprotected – the State has put its thumb on the scale to favor some religious beliefs over others. Showing such favor tells “nonadherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and . . . adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community.” Santa Fe Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290, 309-10 (2000). And the Equal Protection Clause is violated by HB 1523’s authorization of arbitrary discrimination against lesbian, gay, transgender, and unmarried persons.

“It is not within our constitutional tradition to enact laws of this sort.” Romer, 517 U.S. at 633. The plaintiffs’ motions are granted and HB 1523 is preliminarily enjoined. ...

Conclusion

Religious freedom was one of the building blocks of this great nation, and after the nation was torn apart, the guarantee of equal protection under law was used to stitch it back together.

But HB 1523 does not honor that tradition of religion freedom, nor does it respect the equal dignity of all of Mississippi’s citizens. It must be enjoined.

The motions are granted.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the defendants; their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys; and any other persons who are in active concert or participation with the defendants or their officers, agents, servants, employees, or attorneys; are hereby preliminarily enjoined from enacting or enforcing HB 1523.

Judge Carlton W. Reeves, US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Northern Division, June 30 2016; rules against law to legalize discrimination specifically against gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals and couples, and unmarried straight couples.

     Click here to read the entire decision

          (not quite primary source)


 

DOD Ends Ban on Transgender Serivcepeople

"...  I'm announcing today that we're ending the ban on transgender Americans in the United States military.

Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender.

Additionally, I have directed that the gender identity of an otherwise qualified individual will not bar them from military service or from any accession program.

In taking the steps, we are eliminating policies that can result in transgender members being treated differently from their peers based solely upon their gender identity, rather than upon their ability to serve and we are confirming that going forward we will apply the same general principles, standards and procedures to transgender service members as we do to all service members. ... "

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, June 30. 2016.

     Click here to read the entire statement 

     Click here to watch the video


 

Prez Declares Stonewall National Monument

" Christopher Park, a historic community park located immediately across the street from the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City (City), is a place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community to assemble for marches and parades, expressions of grief and anger, and celebrations of victory and joy.  It played a key role in the events often referred to as the Stonewall Uprising or Rebellion, and has served as an important site for the LGBT community both before and after those events.
As one of the only public open spaces serving Greenwich Village west of 6th Avenue, Christopher Park has long been central to the life of the neighborhood and to its identity as an LGBT-friendly community.  The park was created after a large fire in 1835 devastated an overcrowded tenement on the site.  Neighborhood residents persuaded the City to condemn the approximately 0.12-acre triangle for public open space in 1837.  By the 1960s, Christopher Park had become a popular destination for LGBT youth, many of whom had run away from or been kicked out of their homes.  These youth and others who had been similarly oppressed felt they had little to lose when the community clashed with the police during the Stonewall Uprising.

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, a riot broke out in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, at the time one of the City's best known LGBT bars.  Over the course of the next several days, more demonstrations and riots occurred in the surrounding neighborhood including Christopher Park.  During these days, because of its strategic location across from the bar, Christopher Park served as a gathering place, refuge, and platform for the community to voice its demand for LGBT civil rights.  The Stonewall Uprising is considered by many to be the catalyst that launched the modern LGBT civil rights movement.  From this place and time, building on the work of many before, the Nation started the march -- not yet finished -- toward securing equality and respect for LGBT people.

Christopher Park and its environs have remained a key gathering place for the LGBT community.  For example, on June 26, 2015, within moments of the issuance of the Supreme Court's historic ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, LGBT people headed to Christopher Park to celebrate the Court's recognition of a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.  A few days later, Governor Cuomo continued that celebration by officiating at the marriage of two gay men directly outside the Stonewall Inn.  Within minutes of the recent news of the murders of 49 people in a nightclub in Orlando, Florida -- one of the most deadly shootings in American history -- LGBT people and their  supporters in New York headed again to Christopher Park to mourn, heal, and stand together in unity for the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country.

Today, Christopher Park is surrounded by brick sidewalks and a nineteenth century wrought-iron fence with gated openings. Educational signs about the Stonewall Uprising are found near the large arched main entryway.  Divided into two halves, the western side of the park is open to the public on a daily basis and contains a small plaza lined with brick pavers and benches. George Segal's sculpture, "Gay Liberation," stands as a focal point of the plaza.  The sculpture was commissioned in 1979 on the tenth anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and its installation in 1992 cemented Christopher Park's role as a destination for those wishing to understand the significance of the Stonewall Uprising.  The eastern half of the park contains two structures erected in 1936:  a statue of Civil War General Philip Sheridan, and a memorial flagstaff and plaque honoring Colonel Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth, an officer with the New York Fire Zouaves during the Civil War.

Across the street from Christopher Park is the target of the June 28, 1969, police raid, the Stonewall Inn (51-53 Christopher Street), originally built in 1843 and 1846 as two separate two-story horse stables.  In 1930, the two buildings were combined into one commercial space with a new single exterior facade.  In 1934, the first-floor space opened as a restaurant called Bonnie's Stonewall Inn, which served the neighborhood for over 30 years.  The restaurant closed in 1966, but was reopened in 1967 as an LGBT bar called the Stonewall Inn.

The streets and sidewalks in the neighborhood surrounding Christopher Park and the Stonewall Inn are an integral part of the neighborhood's historic character and played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising.  The narrow streets bend, wrap back on themselves, and otherwise create directional havoc.  In the early 1800s, the residents rejected the City's attempts to enlarge the neighborhood streets and align them with the City's grid plan, and the extension of Seventh Avenue South through the area in the early 1900s only added confusion.  During the Stonewall Uprising, this labyrinthine street pattern helped the LGBT demonstrators, who knew the neighborhood, to evade riot-control police, who were not from the local precinct.

Viewed from Christopher Park's central location, this historic landscape -- the park itself, the Stonewall Inn, the streets and sidewalks of the surrounding neighborhood -- reveals the story of the Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment for LGBT civil rights and a transformative event in the Nation's civil rights movement on par with the 1848 Women's Rights Convention at Seneca Falls and the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March for voting rights in its role in energizing a broader community to demand equal rights.

Although the 1960s were a time of social and political change that brought greater freedom to many segments of society, these new-found freedoms did not extend to members of the LGBT community.  They faced increased oppression and criminal prosecution even for being physically intimate with consensual partners.  In New York City, LGBT people were frequently arrested for acts such as same-sex dancing and kissing and wearing clothes of the perceived opposite gender.  In some States, adults of the same sex caught having consensual sex in  their own home could receive sentences of up to life in prison or be confined to a mental institution, where they faced horrific procedures, such as shock therapy, castration, and lobotomies.  LGBT Americans lived their lives in secrecy for fear of losing their jobs, being evicted from their homes, or being arrested.  For LGBT people of color or living in poverty, life was especially challenging.

For over a century, Greenwich Village has attracted Americans of all kinds with an interest in political activism and nonconformity.  By the 1930s, Greenwich Village was home to a significant LGBT community.  Despite the aggressive anti-LGBT policies and practices that emerged in the City in the 1950s and 60s, a variety of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, and private clubs catered to an LGBT clientele.  Many establishments lasted only a few months before police raided them and shut them down, a practice that intensified during mayoral election years such as 1969.

The police frequently raided LGBT bars for illegally selling alcoholic drinks to "homosexuals."  LGBT bars operated by organized crime syndicates often paid off members of the police force and in return received tips about when raids were planned.  As part of a crackdown on LGBT bars in June 1969, the Public Morals squad of Manhattan's First Police Division raided the Stonewall Inn on June 24, 1969, confiscated its liquor, and arrested its employees.  The Stonewall Inn reopened the next day.  Having made only minimal impact with this raid, the police decided to plan a surprise raid for the following Friday night or Saturday morning, when the bar would be crowded.

On June 28, 1969, undercover police officers raided the Stonewall Inn around 1:15 a.m., after one of them witnessed the illegal sale of alcohol.  Customers resisted the police by refusing to show identification or go into a bathroom so that a police officer could verify their sex.  As police officers began making arrests, the remaining customers gathered outside instead of dispersing as they had in the past.  They cheered when friends emerged from the bar under police escort, and they shouted "Gay Power!" and "We Want Freedom!".  As word spread, the gathering grew in size and a riot ultimately ensued.  Around 3:00 a.m., the City's riot-control force appeared, and started to push the crowd away from the Stonewall Inn.  But the crowd refused to disperse.  Groups of demonstrators retreated to nearby streets, only to cut back and regroup near the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park.  The riot finally abated about 4:30 a.m., but during the next week several more protests formed, and in some cases, led to new riots and confrontations with the police.

The Stonewall Uprising changed the Nation's history.  After the Stonewall incident, the LGBT community across the Nation realized its power to join together and demand equality and respect.  Within days of the events, Stonewall seemed to galvanize LGBT communities across the country, bringing new supporters and inspiring LGBT activists to organize demonstrations to show support for LGBT rights in several cities.  One year later, the number of LGBT organizations in the country had grown from around 50 to at least 1,500, and Pride Marches were held in a number of large cities to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising.

The quest for LGBT equality after Stonewall evolved from protests and small gatherings into a nationwide movement. Lesbian women, gay men, bisexual and transgender people united to ensure equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Hard-fought civil rights victories in courtrooms and statehouses across the country set the stage for victories in the Supreme Court that would have seemed unthinkable to those who rose up in Greenwich Village in June 1969.  Today, communities, cities, and nations celebrate LGBT Pride Days and Months, and the number of Pride events approaches 1,000.  The New York City Police Department now has an LGBT Liaison Unit to build positive relations with the LGBT community, and provides the community with expert protection when threats are identified.  Most importantly, the Nation's laws and jurisprudence increasingly reflect the equal treatment that the LGBT community deserves.  There is important distance yet to travel, but through political engagement and litigation, as well as individual acts of courage and acceptance, this movement has made tremendous progress toward securing equal rights and equal dignity.

WHEREAS, section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the "Antiquities Act"), authorizes the President, in the President's discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments...

WHEREAS, in 2000, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) designated the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and portions of the surrounding neighborhood as a National Historic Landmark for its association with the Stonewall Uprising, a momentous event that inspired a national LGBT civil rights movement;

WHEREAS, for the purpose of establishing a national monument to be administered by the National Park Service, the City of New York has donated to the Federal Government fee title to the approximately 0.12-acre Christopher Park;

WHEREAS, the designation of a national monument at the site of the Stonewall Uprising would elevate its message and story to the national stage and ensure that future generations would learn about this turning point that sparked changes in cultural attitudes and national policy towards LGBT people over the ensuing decades;

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to preserve and protect Christopher Park and the historic objects associated with it in the Stonewall National Historic Landmark;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Stonewall National Monument ... "

President Barack Obama, June 24, 2016.

    Click here to read original proclamation

 

Mass. House Speaker on Trans Bill

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo on passage of transgender equal rights/non-discrimination bill: "Today is one of my proudest moments as speaker. June 2, 2016."

     Click here to watch video (YouTube) 

Mexican President Speaks for Full Equality

" Muchas gracias a todas y a todos, quienes hayan participado en este diálogo, en el que hoy nos convoca este Día Nacional de Lucha contra la Homofobia.

Y, la verdad, que ha sido creo que un paso relevante y trascendental, primero, el que tengamos este encuentro aquí, en la Residencia Oficial de Los Pinos.

Jaime, en su intervención hace un momento, él hacía un buen recuento, un testimonio de lo que ha significado para él esta evolución, esta transición.

Y estar hoy aquí, precisamente en este diálogo abierto, en donde, de quienes han participado, creo que recojo varias inquietudes, varias peticiones, varias propuestas que, en forma alguna, a través de CONAPRED y a través de las distintas instancias gubernamentales, particularmente de la Secretaría de Gobernación, hemos estado abiertos a escuchar, a atender y poder dar cauce, a través de políticas y acciones de orden público, que nos permitan realmente combatir la discriminación y aceptar, como decía Luis hace un momento, esta realidad que hoy tenemos, de la diversidad.

De hacer de la diversidad un tema común, un tema normal y en donde el Gobierno de la República, con esta convicción, es precisamente que hoy tiene este encuentro, y que ha asumido esta tarea en lo que hace de esta Administración.

La maestra Gloria, hace un momento, ella misma refería de varias acciones en distintas instancias del orden público, en donde ha habido avances, en donde se han dictado normas de orden administrativo, políticas públicas.

Y donde, ella expresaba, es importante, no haya retroceso, sino que estos avances se queden, se amplíen y se extiendan realmente, a partir justamente de esta lucha contra la discriminación, que ustedes han venido dando y muchas otras agrupaciones.

Como Ari decía, en todas partes, en distintos lugares del país, hoy se han erigido grupos y organizaciones que con mayor visibilidad están en favor o están dando la lucha en favor precisamente de esta justa causa que ustedes encabezan.

Hoy me da mucho gusto tenerles aquí.

Quiero decirle a Ari que, además, no sólo tomaremos una foto. Déjenme invitarles, al término de mi intervención, para que conozcan un poquito más de Los Pinos, porque cuando uno viene a Los Pinos y se queda en este salón, piensa que esto son Los Pinos.

Es un espacio, no sólo donde vive el Presidente, sino además de trabajo, donde hay áreas de oficina de la Presidencia de la República.

Y los quiero invitar para que nos tomemos una fotografía, en ocasión de este encuentro, en la Escalinata de la Casa principal, en la Casa Miguel Alemán, al término del encuentro.

He escuchado distintas peticiones, que he tomado nota de todas ellas, como estoy seguro que Alejandra también lo ha hecho, y que varias de ellas tendrán atención.

Yo tengo aquí algunas indicaciones que dar y algunas acciones que estoy resuelto a que el Gobierno de la República lleve a cabo, precisamente, para apoyar esta causa y, sobre todo, para reconocer nuestra realidad, la de reconocer que nuestra sociedad está compuesta de distintos grupos que están inmersos en la diversidad, y que ésta es una condición normal, una condición que debe ser aceptada, y en la que no caben estigmas, discriminaciones, o no cabe el que por ello no haya el derecho a ser felices, como Ari lo compartía también, hace un momento, en su intervención.

Esta lucha que ustedes encabezan de buscar el derecho, hablando por muchos, el derecho a ser felices y en el respeto a la diversidad.

A partir de ello, permítanme compartir algunas determinaciones que mi Gobierno está resuelto a llevar a cabo y, por otro lado, quizá de algunos de los planteamientos, el darles atención y poder encauzar, a través de CONAPRED y a través de, particularmente de las dependencias a quienes ocupe dar particular atención en varios temas muy específicos, que ustedes me compartieron, varios en el ámbito de la salud.

Aquí está el Secretario de Salud y está el titular del Seguro Social para poder atender, yo creo que cada uno recogió, los vi muy atentos en lo que a los temas que ustedes abordaron, con respecto a temas que tienen que ver con la salud, y en los que además de haber tomado nota, tienen la indicación de atender y de poder dar respuesta, a través de los protocolos, las formas de atención, y esto que ustedes han planteado.
Reitero mi más amplio reconocimiento a su compromiso, quiero decirles a todos ustedes, con los derechos humanos y la no discriminación por motivos de orientación o preferencia sexual, o de identidad de género.
Ratifico el compromiso de mi Gobierno con la no discriminación y por la construcción de un México, como ustedes, Ari también así lo señaló, verdaderamente incluyente, donde todas las personas puedan ejercer sus derechos a plenitud.

Quiero aquí, en este espacio, dar indicaciones a la Secretaría de Gobernación y al Consejo Nacional para Prevenir la Discriminación, para que, en conjunto con las dependencias competentes, analicen las varias propuestas que se han hecho aquí, en la mesa, y en su caso se realicen acciones necesarias para atenderlas, como ya lo había referido.

En lo relativo a la realización de una campaña nacional contra la homofobia, que en forma alguna creo que fue la constante en los posicionamientos de quienes participaron, el cómo inculcar, cómo educar, cómo generar valores que, precisamente, convoquen al respeto a la diversidad.

Esto que Luis comentaba, sus alumnos son diestros, otros son zurdos, otros ambidiestros, y es parte de la normalidad.

Justamente, hoy le doy instrucción al Secretario de Gobernación, a la Secretaría de Educación Pública, a su titular, para, primero, y CONAPRED, se hagan campañas nacionales contra la homofobia.

Y, por otro lado, se considere el planteamiento de algunos de ustedes, para que en todo este espacio que hemos dado a la Reforma Educativa para elevar la calidad de la educación, este tema que ustedes han señalado, el tema del respeto a la diversidad, sea considerado, por cierto, en la parte que aún resta por revisar de la instrumentación de la Reforma Educativa, que son los contenidos educativos.

Se ha avanzado, yo no quiero hacer aquí entrar sólo al tema de la Reforma Educativa, pero quizá el punto que está pendiente y en el que se está trabajando, es en los contenidos educativos, lo cual abre un gran espacio hoy de oportunidad para revisarlos, y dar aquí este espacio al respeto a la diversidad dentro de los mismos.
Por otro lado, como ustedes, y ha sido del conocimiento público, quizá algunos, varios de ustedes me acompañaron, envié al Congreso un conjunto de iniciativas para transformar la justicia cotidiana, y me refiero a la justicia de todos los días.

Algunos consideran que la justicia sólo lo está en el ámbito penal, pero la justicia lo está en el ámbito familiar, en el ámbito civil, en el ámbito mercantil, en el ámbito laboral. Y es, quizá, en esos ámbitos, donde son más los mexicanos que demandan justicia, y donde hoy instrumentarla se ha vuelto complicado.

Por eso, envié todo un paquete de iniciativas para modificar distintos ordenamientos legales, que faciliten la aplicación o el ejercicio, o la administración de justicia de forma más expedita, pronta, rápida y, sobre todo, de manera justa, para quien la está demandando.

Y también expresé que se trataba de un primer paquete, un primer paquete para avanzar en esta materia.
Ese ejercicio democrático incluyó la opinión de expertos en la materia, nos sugirió identificar y reformar las normas del orden jurídico mexicano que incluyeran contenidos discriminatorios.

Hoy le quiero dar, particularmente, también nuevamente indicaciones al Secretario de Gobernación, al Consejero Jurídico que está aquí, con nosotros, porque vendrán más iniciativas, vendrá un nuevo paquete y uno que está aún pendiente de ser todavía revisado y enviado al Congreso, que tiene que ver, justamente, con la participación no sólo de la Presidencia de la República y su Consejería, y del ámbito jurídico de Gobernación, sino también con la participación del CIDE y del área de investigaciones jurídicas de la UNAM, para poder eliminar las normas discriminatorias o de contenido discriminatorio que estén en el orden Federal, en el orden local, y me refiero tanto a estados, o normas, incluso, de orden administrativo.
Esto exige un gran ejercicio de revisión de normas en estos tres órdenes de Gobierno, pero está hecha la tarea y está claramente asumido el compromiso para poder revisar, y con su apoyo será, creo que clave y fundamental, revisar las normas que todavía lamentablemente tengan algún contenido discriminatorio y éstas puedan ser derogadas o modificadas.

A partir de esto quiero compartir con ustedes, además, cuatro determinaciones que el Gobierno de la República puntualmente el día de hoy quiere asumir.

Lo digo además con amplia convicción y que en estas cuatro determinaciones doy respuesta, si no a todas, sí a muchas y quizá a los planteamientos centrales que varios de ustedes, hace un momento, tuvieron en sus participaciones, además de las instrucciones que ya he dado, previo a estos cuatro puntos.

En este acto habré de firmar una iniciativa de reforma al Artículo 4º Constitucional para incorporar con toda claridad el criterio de la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación de reconocer como un derecho humano que las personas puedan contraer matrimonio sin discriminación alguna; es decir, que los matrimonios se realicen sin discriminación por motivos de origen étnico o nacional, de discapacidades, de condición social, de condiciones de salud, de religión, de género o preferencias sexuales.

De esta forma, como ustedes lo plantearon, quedaría explícito el matrimonio igualitario en nuestra Constitución, como lo ha determinado la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación, como ya ocurre en varias entidades federativas.

Sin embargo, no puede haber en nuestro país quienes, en algunos estados o entidades, tengan ciertos derechos y en otros no.

Se trata, a final de cuentas, de asumir este reconocimiento, insisto, sobre lo que ya hay jurisprudencia de la Suprema Corte de Justicia, y hoy corresponde emprender esta iniciativa para realmente enmarcarlo en nuestra Carta Magna, como un derecho consagrado, como aquí lo he señalado.

Segunda determinación. En congruencia con lo anterior, aquí también enviaré una iniciativa de reforma al Código Civil Federal para asegurar el matrimonio igualitario, para que éste se pueda realizar sin discriminación alguna entre personas mayores de 18 años, acorde con lo que establece la Ley General de los Derechos de las Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes.

Asimismo, esta propuesta de reforma moderniza el lenguaje para evitar las expresiones discriminatorias que aún contiene este Código Federal, como ustedes seguramente lo saben.

Esta iniciativa también contempla que los cónsules, en su función de jueces del Registro Civil, puedan expedir una nueva Acta de Nacimiento para reconocer la identidad de género.

Y también confío en que esta atribución, o más bien este cambio, de ser aprobado en el Código Civil Federal, sea eventualmente replicado en los Códigos Civiles de las diferentes entidades federativas, que aún no contemplan este derecho.

Por otro lado, le doy aquí indicaciones a la Titular de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, además de lo que ya he señalado que tiene que ver con el trabajo consular, para tomar las medidas necesarias, a fin de que en el proceso de solicitud de pasaportes se reconozcan y acepten, sin ningún tipo de distinción, las actas de nacimiento que registran un cambio sexogénico.

Tercera determinación. Ya la adelanté, pero es esta indicación que ya he dado a la Consejería Jurídica, que está aquí su titular, para que en este trabajo que hemos hecho en los Diálogos por la Justicia Cotidiana que nos han llevado a enviar un primer paquete de reformas a distintos ordenamientos, ahora, particularmente ya lo estoy reiterando lo que era mi tercera determinación, es, precisamente, el revisar los distintos ordenamientos en los tres órdenes de Gobierno que contengan todavía en su letra o en su expresión y contenidos, algunas o, más bien, tengan contenidos discriminatorios, y se eviten, se deroguen o se modifiquen y sean acordes, precisamente, a este reconocimiento a la diversidad.

Esto nos llevará, hay que trabajar junto con ustedes y que podamos realmente, a la brevedad, enviar un nuevo paquete de reformas, particularmente en este tema o en este contexto de lo que significará, sin duda, modificar mucho del ámbito de la justicia que tenemos en nuestro país.

Y finalmente una cuarta determinación, que tiene que ver con nuestro compromiso, que como país tenemos, y el que he señalado desde el inicio de mi Administración, de hacer de México un actor con responsabilidad global.

Es cierto que en lo interno encaramos desafíos y retos en los que estamos trabajando, pero también queremos contribuir a las mejores causas de la humanidad, desde el ámbito internacional.

Por eso, he dado indicaciones para que México forme parte del Grupo núcleo sobre las personas homosexuales, lesbianas, bisexuales, transgénero o intersexuales de las Naciones Unidas, en el que participan 19 países de distintas regiones, y que promueve los derechos humanos a nivel internacional.
México será una voz activa que seguro estoy que ustedes respaldarán, orientarán, y como ha venido siendo, serán o tendrán ustedes un espacio de interlocución, a través de la que México tenga en este espacio en Naciones Unidas.

Ésta es la indicación que recibe en este encuentro la titular de Relaciones Exteriores.

Quisiera concluir, porque ya me he extendido, y como decía hace un momento Ari, también, tensa en estos momentos, a lo mejor yo estoy más acostumbrado, pero no por ello dejo a veces de estar en la misma atención.

Pero creo que yo recojo lo que Jaime decía en su participación, sin duda, lo que hoy estamos aquí atestiguando, teniendo con este encuentro, es un paso muy relevante en la evolución que, como sociedad, estamos teniendo.

La que el Gobierno de México en convicción tiene y quiere promover, y quiere, realmente, asegurar que en nuestro país todas y todos los mexicanos, sin importar su condición social, su religión, su preferencia sexual, su condición étnica, no importando cuál sea su condición, tenga la oportunidad de realizarse plenamente, tenga la oportunidad de ser feliz.

Y esto es lo que el Gobierno de la República está promoviendo desde distintos ámbitos, para darle a todos los mexicanos esa oportunidad; las herramientas, los instrumentos de orden legal, los mecanismos que les permitan, realmente, construirse un horizonte y un futuro promisorio, digno, y en donde vivamos en esta sociedad de respetos, sociedad de derechos, y en la que se respeten los derechos de todos los integrantes de la sociedad en la que vivimos.

A mí me da mucho gusto, en esta celebración de este día, reunirme con todos los grupos hoy aquí convocados, con los distintos colectivos, con agrupaciones, con personas muy connotadas de la sociedad civil, de distintos ámbitos, que hoy nos acompañan.

Y solamente en ocasión de reiterar este firme compromiso que tiene el Gobierno de México, el Gobierno de la República, de abrir espacios de respeto a la dignidad y de reconocimiento a los derechos de todas y todos los mexicanos.

Muchísimas gracias. "

President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, May 17, 2016, celebration of National Day of the Fight Against Homophobia.
 

Clique aqui por el original

 

Pres. Obama Marks Anti-Hate Day

" On May 17, Americans and people around the world mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia by reaffirming the dignity and inherent worth of all people, regardless of who they love or their gender identity.

Our nation is committed to the principle that all people should be treated fairly and with respect. Advancing this goal has long been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, and I am proud that my Administration has made advancing the human rights of LGBT individuals a specific focus of our engagement around the world. I am also proud of the great strides that our nation has made at home in recent years, including that we now have marriage equality as a result of last year’s landmark Supreme Court decision.

At the same time, there is much work to be done to combat homophobia and transphobia, both at home and abroad.‎ In too many places, LGBT individuals grow up forced to conceal or deny who they truly are for fear of persecution, discrimination, and violence. All nations and all communities can, and must, do better. Fortunately, human rights champions and good citizens around the world continue to strive towards this goal every day by lifting up the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights. The United States honors their work and will continue to support them in their struggle for human dignity. "

President Barack Obama, May 17, 2016.

 

Missouri Votes Down Anti-LGBT Bill

" This is an important moment. Today’s action – to reject discrimination – will stand as an enduring example of goodness and of growing beyond past prejudices, while protecting people’s right to practice their faith. I thank everyone who was involved in this effort to protect the rights of all Missourians and stop this discriminatory measure. "

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, April 27, 2016; after Missouri House committee votes down bill to add anti-GLBT discrimination to state constitution.

    Click here for statement

    Click here for more statements opposed to bill

First Lady on Mississippi

" ... If we fail to exercise our fundamental right to vote, then I guarantee that so much of the progress we’ve fought for will be under threat. Congress will still be gridlocked. Statehouses will continue to roll back voting rights and write discrimination into the law. We see it right here in Mississippi - just two weeks ago - how swiftly progress can hurtle backward, how easy it is to single out a small group and marginalize them because of who they are or who they love.

So we’ve got to stand side by side with all our neighbors - straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender; Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu immigrant, Native American - because the march for civil rights isn’t just about African Americans, it’s about all Americans. It’s about making things more just, more equal, more free for all our kids and grandkids. That’s the story you all have the opportunity to write..."

First Lady Michelle Obama, April 23, 2016; commencement address at Jackson State University, MS.

     Click here to read entire address

Pearl Jam Cancels NC

" It is with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show in North Carolina on April 20th.

This will be upsetting to those who have tickets and you can be assured that we are equally frustrated by the situation.

The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens. The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are.

It is for this reason that we must take a stand against prejudice, along with other artists and businesses, and join those in North Carolina who are working to oppose HB2 and repair what is currently unacceptable.

We have communicated with local groups and will be providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue.

In the meantime we will be watching with hope and waiting in line for a time when we can return.

Perhaps even celebrate.

With immense gratitude for your understanding, "

Pearl Jam, April 18, 2016.

    Click here for original statement

Louisiana Gov Signs Anti-Discrimination Exec Order

“ We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens. We respect our fellow citizens for their beliefs, but we do not discriminate based on our disagreements. I believe in giving every Louisianan the opportunity to be successful and to thrive in our state. Our goal is to promote the opportunities we have right here in Louisiana. While this executive order respects the religious beliefs of our people, it also signals to the rest of the country that discrimination is not a Louisiana value, but rather, that Louisiana is a state that is respectful and inclusive of everyone around us.

The previous administration’s executive I am rescinding was meant to serve a narrow political agenda. It does nothing but divide our state and forced the business community, from Louisiana’s smallest businesses to large corporations, like IBM, to strongly oppose it. This executive order threatens Louisiana’s business growth, and it goes against everything we stand for - unity, acceptance, and opportunity for all. ”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, April 13, 2016; signingd an executive order providing employment protections for state employees and employees of state contractors on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or age. This executive order also prohibits discrimination in services provided by state agencies.

     CLICK HERE TO READ THE EXECUTIVE ORDER 

Bryan Adams Cancels Mississippi

" Mississippi has passed anti-LGBT ‘Religious Liberty’ bill 1523. I find it incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi. I cannot in good conscience perform in a State where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation. Therefore i’m cancelling my 14 April show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Using my voice I stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill. Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans. I look forward to that day. "

Singer Bryan Adams, April 10, 2016

     Click here for Bryan Adams website

Barkley - Move NBA All-Star Game

Former National Basketball Association all-star player and current television commentator Charles Barkley told CNN that the NBA should move next year's all-star game out of North Carolina because of that state's enactment of an anti-GLBT law recently.

Click here or click pic to watch the video - the relevant footage starts about 3:07

PayPal Nixes NC Expansion Plan

" Two weeks ago, PayPal announced plans to open a new global operations center in Charlotte and employ over 400 people in skilled jobs. In the short time since then, legislation has been abruptly enacted by the State of North Carolina that invalidates protections of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens and denies these members of our community equal rights under the law.

The new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture. As a result, PayPal will not move forward with our planned expansion into Charlotte.

This decision reflects PayPal’s deepest values and our strong belief that every person has the right to be treated equally, and with dignity and respect. These principles of fairness, inclusion and equality are at the heart of everything we seek to achieve and stand for as a company. And they compel us to take action to oppose discrimination.

Our decision is a clear and unambiguous one. But we do regret that we will not have the opportunity to be a part of the Charlotte community and to count as colleagues the skilled and talented people of the region. As a company that is committed to the principle that everyone deserves to live without fear of discrimination simply for being who they are, becoming an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable.

While we will seek an alternative location for our operations center, we remain committed to working with the LGBT community in North Carolina to overturn this discriminatory legislation, alongside all those who are committed to equality.

We will stand firm in our commitment to equality and inclusion and our conviction that we can make a difference by living and acting on our values. It’s the right thing to do for our employees, our customers, and our communities. "

Dan Schulman, President and CEO, PayPal, April 5, 2016.

click here for statement

NC AG Won't Defend Anti-Gay Bill

" We should not even be here today. But we are. We are here because the Governor has signed state-wide legislation that puts discrimination into the law. Obviously, the LGBT community is targeted, but also people who are discriminated against based on race or religion and other classes of people could likely have a harder time bringing an action to protect themselves. The law even eliminates local ordinances that protect veterans and the wages of working people employed by companies that contract with cities.

Not only is this new law a national embarrassment, it will set North Carolina’s economy back, if we don’t repeal it. And that means there will be a negative impact on innocent people who work hard every day and pay taxes. They don’t deserve to lose money because of this. They deserve better.

We know that businesses here and all over the country have taken strong stances in opposition to this law and that convention and sporting event organizers are rethinking their plans. The threats to our economy will grow even darker the longer this law stays in effect. It will also cause a flood of litigation – the first case having been filed yesterday.

Over the last 15 years, our office has defended the state, its officials and agencies when they are sued. Our office will continue to that, except it will not defend the constitutionality of the discrimination in HB 2. The reason is this.

Since 2001, my office has had its own non-discrimination policy that includes, along with other protections, marital status and sexual orientation – two classes not protected by the state. I believed in 2001, when we adopted it, and I believe now that our policy is not only the right thing to do, but it is a necessary and vital signal to send as we recruit and retain the best and brightest employees here. Many of the top law firms in our state provide these protections and we needed to as well. I made a promise. Employees who get the job done here should be welcomed without fear of discrimination ...

 ... Discrimination is wrong, period.

The Governor and the Legislature should repeal this law.

 ... Conservative Republican Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia was recently presented with a discrimination law passed by his legislature. He saw what happened in Indiana when that state passed laws that discriminate. He saw that Indiana lost business and millions of dollars in revenue hurting every day working people there. Governor Deal didn’t want that for his state. He just stepped up yesterday and vetoed this law that would have allowed discrimination in Georgia because he knew it would hurt Georgia’s economy.

Our Governor should have done the same thing and vetoed HB 2. But he did not. Considering what is happening, I believe he must now call for and work with the Legislature to repeal it. I’ll work with all of them to get that done.

It’s time to do the right thing for the good of our people, our economy and our state. "

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, March 29, 2016.

    Click here for entire original statement

 

Virginia Gov Vetoes Anti-Gay Law

" Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 41, which would shield from civil liability those who actively discriminate against same-sex couples.

Although couched as a “religious freedom” bill, this legislation is nothing more than an attempt to stigmatize. Any legitimate protections afforded by Senate Bill 41 are duplicative of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; Article I, Section 11 of the Constitution of Virginia; and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Any additional protections are styled in a manner that prefers one religious viewpoint—that marriage can only validly exist between a man and a woman—over all other viewpoints. Such a dynamic is not only unconstitutional, it equates to discrimination under the guise of religious freedom.

This legislation is also bad for business and creates roadblocks as we try to build the new Virginia economy. Businesses and job creators do not want to locate or do business in states that appear more concerned with demonizing people than with creating a strong business climate. Legislation that immunizes the discriminatory actions of certain people and institutions at the expense of same-sex couples would damage Virginia’s reputation for commonsense, pro-business government. We need only look at the damage these types of laws are doing in other states to understand the harm this bill could bring to our Commonwealth and its economy.

We should be pursuing policies to make Virginia a more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family. Senate Bill 41 would accomplish the opposite by making Virginia unwelcome to same-sex couples, while artificially engendering a sense of fear and persecution among our religious communities.

Accordingly, I veto this bill. "

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, March 30, 2016; veto message on bill which would shield from civil liability those who actively discriminate against same-sex couples. 

NBA Slams North Carolina Law

" The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events.  We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte. "

National Basketball Association, March 24, 2016; in response to North Carolina law passed that bans local anti-discrimination laws and more.

 

Obama Touts Same-Sex Marriage in US & Canada

"... Our shared values also guide us at home. I’m proud to be the first American President to stand with a Canadian Prime Minister and be able to say that - in both our nations - health care is not a privilege for a few but is now a right for all. And as two vast and vibrant societies, we reaffirm that our diversity is our strength - whether your family was among the first native peoples to live on these lands or refugees we welcomed just yesterday. Whether you pray in a church or a synagogue, or a temple, or a mosque. Where, no matter what province or state you live in, you have the freedom to marry the person that you love..."

President Barack Obama, March 10, 2016; welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House.

Click here to read the entire addresses of Pres. Obama and PM Trudeau


"... But there is a point to this, though, and that is that we’re not here for power. We’re not here for fame or fortune. We’re here for our kids. We’re here for everybody’s kids - to give our sons and our daughters a better world. To pass to them a world that’s a little safer, and a little more equal, and a little more just, a little more prosperous so that a young person growing up in Chicago or Montreal or on the other side of the world has every opportunity to make of their life what they will, no matter who they are or what they look like, or how they pray or who they love..."

President Barack Obama, March 10, 2016; at State Dinner for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Click here to read the entire address (it's really funny among other things) 


 

South Dakota Gov Vetoes Anti-Transgender Bill

" Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives,

I respectfully return to you House Bill 1008, with my VETO.

House Bill 1008 does not address any pressing issue concerning the school districts of South Dakota.  As policymakers in South Dakota, we often recite that the best government is the government closest to the people.  Local school districts can, and have, made necessary restroom and locker room accommodations that serve the best interests of all students, regardless of biological sex or gender identity.

This bill seeks to impose statewide standards on “every restroom, locker room, and shower room located in a public elementary or secondary school.”  It removes the ability of local school districts to determine the most appropriate accommodations for their individual students and replaces that flexibility with a state mandate.

If and when these rare situations arise, I believe local school officials are best positioned to address them.  Instead of encouraging local solutions, this bill broadly regulates in a manner that invites conflict and litigation, diverting energy and resources from the education of the children of this state.

Preserving local control is particularly important because this bill would place every school district in the difficult position of following state law while knowing it openly invites federal litigation.  Although there have been promises by an outside entity to provide legal defense to a school district, this provision is not memorialized in the bill.  Nor would such defense eliminate the need for school or state legal counsel, nor avoid expenses relating to expert witnesses, depositions and travel, or other defense costs.  Nor does the commitment extend to coverage over settlement or damage expenses.  This law will create a certain liability for school districts and the state in an area where no such liability exists today.

For these reasons, I oppose this bill and ask that you sustain my veto. "

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard vetoed HB 1008 - an act to restrict access by transgender students to certain restrooms and locker rooms in public schools - March 1, 2016.
 

Charlotte NC OKs Non-Discrimination Law

" CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 22, 2016) –The Charlotte City Council approved amendments to the city's Non-Discrimination Ordinances Monday which add marital and familial status, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity to the list of protected characteristics in the existing Non-Discrimination Ordinances.

"I am pleased that Charlotte is now among the more than 250 cities and counties to offer similar protections," said Mayor Jennifer Roberts. "Tonight's vote sends the signal that Charlotte is a welcoming city that strives to treat everyone equally and with dignity and respect." 
The 7-4 vote came after hearing comments from more than 100 speakers. The approved amendments will affect the following areas:

• Public accommodations:  Businesses and other public accommodations that serve the public are prohibited from discriminating based on any protected characteristic.
• Passenger vehicle for hire: Taxi cab and limousine companies and drivers may not refuse to transport any person on the basis of any protected characteristic. 
• Commercial non-discrimination: Businesses that contract with the city may not discriminate against their vendors, suppliers, subcontractors or commercial customers on the basis of any protected characteristic.

The changes to the ordinance will go into effect April 1.​ "

City of Charlotte, North Carolina, press release, February 22, 2016.

Hillary Clinton's Pro-Gay Debate Statement

"You know, we - we agree that we’ve got to get unaccountable money out of politics. We agree that Wall Street should never be allowed to wreck Main Street again. But here’s the point I want to make tonight. I am not a single- issue candidate, and I do not believe we live in a single-issue country. I think that a lot of what we have to overcome to break down the barriers that are holding people back, whether it’s poison in the water of the children of Flint, or whether it’s the poor miners who are being left out and left behind in coal country, or whether it is any other American today who feels somehow put down and oppressed by racism, by sexism, by discrimination against the LGBT community, against the kind of efforts that need to be made to root out all of these barriers, that’s what I want to take on. And here in Wisconsin, I want to reiterate: We’ve got to stand up for unions and working people who have done it before... the American middle class, and who are being attacked by ideologues, by demagogues. Yes, does Wall Street and big financial interests, along with drug companies, insurance companies, big oil, all of it, have too much influence? You’re right. But if we were to stop that tomorrow, we would still have the indifference, the negligence that we saw in Flint. We would still have racism holding people back. We would still have sexism preventing women from getting equal pay. We would still have LGBT people who get married on Saturday and get fired on Monday. And we would still have governors like Scott Walker and others trying to rip out the heart of the middle class by making it impossible to organize and stand up for better wages and working conditions. So I’m going to keep talking about tearing down all the barriers that stand in the way of Americans fulfilling their potential, because I don’t think our country can live up to its potential unless we give a chance to every single American to live up to theirs"

Hillary Clinton, Democratic Presidential Debate, Milwaukee, WI, February 11, 2016.

State of the Union Includes Pro-Gay Comments

" ...Our unique strengths as a nation -- our optimism and work ethic, our spirit of discovery, our diversity, our commitment to rule of law -- these things give us everything we need to ensure prosperity and security for generations to come.

In fact, it’s that spirit that made the progress of these past seven years possible.  It’s how we recovered from the worst economic crisis in generations.  It’s how we reformed our health care system, and reinvented our energy sector; how we delivered more care and benefits to our troops and veterans, and how we secured the freedom in every state to marry the person we love...

...when I no longer hold this office, I will be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by those voices of fairness and vision, of grit and good humor and kindness that helped America travel so far. Voices that help us see ourselves not, first and foremost, as black or white, or Asian or Latino, not as gay or straight, immigrant or native born, not as Democrat or Republican, but as Americans first, bound by a common creed. Voices Dr. King believed would have the final word -- voices of unarmed truth and unconditional love.

And they’re out there, those voices. They don’t get a lot of attention; they don't seek a lot of fanfare; but they’re busy doing the work this country needs doing. I see them everywhere I travel in this incredible country of ours. I see you, the American people. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I see our future unfolding...

It’s the son who finds the courage to come out as who he is, and the father whose love for that son overrides everything he’s been taught... "

President Barack Obama, State of the Union Address, January 13, 2016.

     Click here to read the entire address

     Click here to watch the entire address